This paper contains the results of a study aimed at identifying the most important technological innovations in the area of public transport and indicating whether and how the Dutch Ministry of Transport and Public Works should concern itself with this in terms of its transport policy. The first step was to identify the following ten relevant technology groups: (1) fleet management systems; (2) advanced travellers' information systems; (3) electronic fare payment systems; (4) advanced vehicle control systems; (5) terminals; (6) physical infrastructure; (7) advanced communications systems; and (8) vehicle design; (9) new (automatic) systems; and (10) clean propulsion. Each of these groups is assessed in terms of the degree of importance attached to it within the Ministry of Transport and Public Works. Six roles are applied in this process, namely those of: (a) monitor; (b) framework creator; (c) implementor; (d) research and development agent; (e) innovation agent; and (f) developer. These roles are examined in greater depth. (A)
Abstract